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Verhaeren said three-time Olympic gold medallist Hackett had only added to his legend at the trials despite ultimately falling short.

Verhaeren said it was remarkable that Hackett was even able to launch a Rio bid.

Hackett was eyeing off a fourth Games after coming out of a six-year retirement to make the 2015 world titles team.

"It is unfortunate (he didn't make Rio)," Verhaeren said.

"We love the guy and love him on the team.

"But it shows how difficult qualifying is.

"He made a courageous attempt.

"He showed us this year and last year who he was."

Hackett will be a prized mentor for Australia's emerging star Mack Horton.

Horton - just 19 - claimed the 1,500m gold on Thursday night, shaving five seconds off his PB to clock 14 minutes, 39.54 seconds and leapfrog Kieren Perkins to stand second on the Australian all-time list.

He now only trails childhood hero Hackett (14:34.56).

Horton's time would have won 2015 world titles gold.

Horton had already made Rio rivals sit up and take notice with a world class 400m freestyle win on the trials' opening night.

He produced a 3:41.65 PB to claim 400m freestyle gold.

He overtook Hackett to move to No.2 on the Australian all-time list to trail only Ian Thorpe.

"Absolutely phenomenal," Verhaeren said of Horton.

Verhaeren was also impressed by Thursday night's 1,500m silver medallist Jack McLoughlin (14:48.60) who also qualified for Rio, moving to fourth on Australia's all-time list.